The Province of Ontario has presented Ontario Medals for Paramedic Bravery to four members of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Emergency Services team. Advanced Care Paramedics Yan Bellefeuille and Jean-François Fillion, and Primary Care Paramedics, Stéphane Huppé and Christian Larochelle, were presented with the medals on Monday, May 27 by Ontario Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont at a ceremony held at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
On May 11, 2023, Bellefeuille, Fillion, Huppé and Larochelle responded to a 9-1-1 call for a possible gunshot wound. Upon arriving on scene, an unidentified man walked out of the house towards them and they saw an injured Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) constable with his service revolver in his hands. A second OPP officer found inside the house was unconscious. Facing dangerous conditions, not knowing whether the unidentified man who they saw upon arrival was a suspect, the paramedics provided life saving care to both injured officers, removed them from an unsafe situation and transported them to a trauma centre as soon as possible.
The ceremony in Toronto, which took place during Paramedic Services Week, paid tribute to a total of 11 paramedics from across Ontario who have demonstrated great courage risking their lives to save the lives of others.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to shine a light on the bravery of our province’s paramedics. They face dangerous situations that require a great deal of courage, and their actions help create more caring communities,” Dumont said.
“These paramedics represent the very best of Ontario and our government is proud to honour them with this prestigious award recognizing their life-saving contributions to the communities they serve,” Minister of Health Sylvia Jones commented.
“Congratulations to our four Paramedics. The medals they received are a testament to their courage and heroism. The United Counties of Prescott and Russell can count on a team of seasoned Paramedics who are dedicated to the well-being of our community. Our warmest thanks to them,” remarked Acting UCPR Warden Normand Riopel.
